A History of Agriculture in India v2.c79.s3: Mules
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c79.s3
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Contents
- v2.c79.s3.t1 Feed and Fodder — 1 part
Mules
v2.c79.s3.1
Mules were used for transport and riding. They were imported from Arabia and Iraq. Their life-span is mentioned as fifty years. In India, mules were bred in Pakhali, the country between Attock and Kashmir. Superior mules were sold at Rs 1,000 *per head*.
v2.c79.s3.2
Narrating the good qualities of mules and their breeding, Abu-l-Fazl states, ‘The mule possesses the strength of a horse and the patience of an ass, and though it has not the intelligence of the former it has not the stupidity of the latter. It never forgets the road which it has once travelled. Hence it is liked by His Majesty, and its breeding is encouraged. It is the best animal for carrying burdens and travelling over uneven ground, and it has a very soft step. People generally believe that the male ass couples with a mare, but the opposite connexion also is known to take place. The mule resembles its dam. His Majesty had a young ass coupled with a mare, and they produced a very fine mule.’
Feed and Fodder
v2.c79.s3.t1.1
The daily allowance of feed and fodder for mules was as follows: ‘Such mules as were not country-bred were given 6 *s* of grain, and 2 *d* for grass; otherwise, only 1½ *d*. Country-bred mules were given 4 *s* of grain, and 1½ *d* of grass, when at court; otherwise, 1 *d* for grass. Each mule was allowed every week 3½ *jitals* for salt.